Moving to a farm is one of those lifestyle changes that can be very easy to romanticise. You might picture waking up to countryside views instead of looking into your neighbour’s garden, having enough outdoor space for the children to enjoy, perhaps keeping a few animals and generally living life at a slightly slower pace.
For some families, that really can be part of the appeal. But there is quite a difference between dreaming about a beautiful farmhouse in the countryside and actually taking responsibility for a property with land, outbuildings and potentially livestock.
Even if you have no intention of becoming a full-time farmer, there can suddenly be things to think about that wouldn’t normally come with buying a family home. Where does the water come from? Who maintains the access road? What happens if a fence comes down? Is the broadband actually usable? And just how much work is involved in looking after several acres of land?
If moving to a farm is something you are seriously considering, it is worth looking beyond the lifestyle you imagine and thinking about how it would work for your family day to day. Here are some of the practical things to consider before deciding whether farm life really is right for you.
1. Decide What Farm Life Means to You
Before you start searching property listings, it is worth thinking about what moving to a farm actually looks like in your head. Are you dreaming of a farmhouse with plenty of space around you, or do you genuinely want land that you intend to work?
For one family, the dream might be a few acres where the children have room to roam, with space for chickens, a vegetable garden and perhaps a couple of goats. Someone else might want horses, sheep or enough land to create a smallholding, while others may be looking for a working farm that could eventually provide an income.
Those are very different lifestyles and, importantly, they require very different properties.
It is easy to assume that more land is always better when you are caught up in the excitement of looking at rural homes. In reality, every extra acre brings something else to maintain. Fields need managing, boundaries need checking and hedges, trees, tracks and fences don’t look after themselves.
Think about what you realistically want to do with the land, rather than simply how lovely it would be to own it. It is also worth looking a few years ahead. Your plans may change as your family grows older, so the right farm needs to work for the life you want now as well as the one you hope to have in the future.
2. Be Realistic About the Work Involved
One thing those beautiful countryside property listings don’t always show is the amount of work happening behind the scenes. Acres of green fields, mature trees, traditional barns and long gravel driveways might look idyllic, but somebody has to look after all of them.
How much work is involved will obviously depend on the type of farm you buy and what you intend to do with it. If you simply want a rural home with some land, your workload will be very different from someone keeping livestock or trying to make an income from farming. Even so, having more land usually means taking on jobs you wouldn’t encounter in an ordinary family home.
Fences need repairing, hedges and trees need managing, tracks need maintaining and outbuildings can require a surprising amount of upkeep. Add animals into the mix and there are daily jobs that can’t simply be postponed because it is raining, you are tired or the family wants to go away for the weekend.
If you are planning to run a working farm, the commitment increases again. Farming isn’t generally something you can switch off from at five o’clock, particularly when crops, livestock or unpredictable weather dictate what needs doing and when.
That doesn’t mean the work can’t be enjoyable or incredibly rewarding. For many people, being outdoors and looking after their own land is a huge part of why they want farm life in the first place. The important thing is to be realistic about how much of your time you are happy for that lifestyle to take up before you commit to it.
3. Understand the True Financial Commitment
Buying a farm can involve a very different set of costs from buying a conventional family home. It isn’t only the purchase price you need to think about; the amount of land, number of buildings and condition of the property can all have a big impact on what it costs to live there afterwards.
A farmhouse with several barns, acres of fencing and a long private track, for example, potentially gives you a lot more to maintain than a house with a garden and driveway. There may be trees and hedges to manage, gates and fences to repair, machinery to buy or hire and outbuildings that need regular attention. Some jobs might be manageable yourself, while others will require contractors or specialist equipment.
Then there are the less obvious costs. Rural properties aren’t always connected to the same services you may be used to, so you could find yourself responsible for maintaining private drainage or water systems. Heating an older farmhouse can also be quite different from heating a modern home, particularly if the property relies on oil, LPG or another off-grid system.
If keeping animals is part of the dream, factor those costs in from the beginning too. Feed, bedding, fencing, shelters and veterinary bills can soon add up, and larger animals may require equipment you don’t already own.
Running the land as a business brings another level of financial commitment again, with the potential cost of livestock, seed, feed, machinery, insurance and labour before the farm begins generating an income.
None of this means moving to a farm has to be prohibitively expensive. It simply makes it particularly important to work out what the whole property is likely to cost you each year, rather than basing your decision solely on whether you can afford to buy it. Leaving some breathing room in the budget for the unexpected could make farm life considerably less stressful when the first big repair inevitably comes along.
4. Check the Land, Boundaries and Access
When you view a farm for the first time, it would be very easy to focus on the farmhouse itself. After all, that’s where you will actually be living. But when you are buying a property with land, you need to look at everything that comes with it just as carefully.
Start by establishing exactly what you would be buying. Where do the boundaries run? Who is responsible for maintaining the fences, hedges and gates? Are there public footpaths crossing the land or rights of way that allow somebody else to use a track or access road through the property?
Access is particularly worth investigating. A long private lane might feel wonderfully secluded when you first drive down it, but you also need to know who owns it, who maintains it and whether other properties have the right to use it. Think about whether delivery vans, emergency vehicles and larger machinery can reach the property easily too.
Try to imagine the land at different times of the year rather than judging it entirely on the day you visit. Fields and tracks that look perfectly firm in summer can become very different after weeks of rain. Look for signs of poor drainage or flooding and ask questions about any areas that concern you.
Most importantly, consider whether the land actually suits what you want to do with it. Ten acres might sound fantastic on a property listing, but the quality, layout and accessibility of those acres can matter far more than the number itself.
If you are seriously considering buying, this is one of those occasions when getting the right professional advice before exchanging contracts could prevent a very expensive surprise later.
5. Investigate Water, Drainage, Electricity and Broadband
Utilities probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you picture moving to a farm, but they are definitely something to investigate before you fall too deeply in love with a property.
Living in a town or village, we tend to take it for granted that we can turn on a tap, flush the toilet and connect to fast broadband without giving much thought to what happens behind the scenes. Move somewhere more rural and that isn’t always the case.
Some farms and rural properties aren’t connected to mains drainage and instead rely on a septic tank or another private sewage system. If that’s the case, find out what type of system is installed, where it is located, how old it is and what maintenance it requires. There are also rules surrounding septic tanks and private sewage systems, so this is something worth understanding before you buy rather than discovering afterwards.
Water is another question to ask. While many rural homes have a mains supply, others may use a private water source such as a borehole, well or spring. If the property has a private supply, you’ll want to understand how it works and what is involved in keeping the water safe and the system maintained.
It is worth asking about heating and electricity at the same time. Is the farmhouse connected to mains gas, or does it rely on oil, LPG or another heating system? Are all of the outbuildings supplied with electricity, and are those electrics in good condition?
And then there is broadband. If you work from home, stream TV, have children or teenagers in the house or plan to run a business from the farm, a poor internet connection could become frustrating very quickly. Don’t assume that because a property listing says broadband is available it will provide the speeds your household actually needs.
Checking mobile signal while you are viewing isn’t a bad idea either. A peaceful location is wonderful; discovering you can’t make a phone call from half of the house may be less so.
These aren’t necessarily reasons to rule out a rural property. They are simply things you need to understand so you know exactly how the home works — and what you will be responsible for — before moving in.
6. Understand Planning Restrictions
Having your own land can open up all sorts of possibilities. You might look at an unused barn and imagine converting it into a holiday let, think about adding stables or another outbuilding, or perhaps see part of the farm becoming the perfect place to run a business.
The important thing to remember is that owning the land doesn’t necessarily mean you can automatically go ahead with those plans.
Planning rules can apply to agricultural buildings, changes to how land or buildings are used and new development. There may also be additional restrictions if the farmhouse or any of its outbuildings are listed, or if the property sits within a protected area.
This is particularly important if part of your reason for moving to a farm relies on what you hope to do there. If the figures only work because you plan to convert a barn into accommodation, create a campsite or holiday let, build new facilities for animals or run a business from the property, don’t assume you will be able to get permission after you’ve moved in.
Instead, investigate your plans while you are still considering the property. Look at its existing planning history, find out whether there are any restrictions attached to the land and speak to the local planning authority or an appropriate professional if you are unsure.
You may discover that everything you want to do is perfectly achievable. But when a particular plan is central to your reason for buying the farm, it is much better to know what is possible before you sign on the dotted line.
7. Know Your Responsibilities Before Keeping Animals
For many people, having enough space to keep animals is one of the most exciting parts of moving to a farm. Perhaps you’ve always wanted chickens wandering around the garden, a couple of goats, your own horses or even a small flock of sheep.
It’s very easy to get carried away with that part of the dream, particularly when you suddenly have several acres at your disposal. But having the space for an animal and having the right setup to care for it aren’t always the same thing.
Before bringing anything home, look into exactly what each animal needs in terms of grazing, shelter, secure fencing, companionship and day-to-day care. You may also need somewhere to store feed and bedding, a way of getting water to fields and suitable access for vets, feed deliveries or livestock vehicles.
It’s worth thinking about holidays and days away too. Dogs can often come with you or stay with somebody else, but a collection of farm animals makes being spontaneous rather more difficult. Someone still needs to feed them, check their water and make sure they’re safe every single day.
There are legal responsibilities to understand as well. Depending on the animals you keep and where you live, you may need to register your land or livestock. In England, for example, keeping certain livestock can mean obtaining a County Parish Holding (CPH) number, even when you aren’t running a large commercial farm.
Finding a suitable local vet before you need one is another sensible step. Not every veterinary practice treats livestock, and knowing who to call is much easier than trying to find somebody for the first time when an animal is ill.
Keeping animals can be one of the most rewarding parts of farm life, but it is also one of the biggest commitments. Starting slowly gives you the chance to learn what works for your land and your family before gradually adding more.
8. Think About Buildings, Fencing and Maintenance
One of the things that can make a farm property so appealing is everything you get alongside the house. A big old barn, stables, workshops and other outbuildings can instantly have you imagining all the different ways you could use them.
Before getting too carried away with those possibilities, take a good look at what condition everything is actually in.
An old barn might look full of character, but a leaking roof or structural problems could turn it into a very expensive project. The same goes for stables, sheds and workshops. Check whether buildings have electricity and water if you are likely to need them, and don’t assume that something which looks usable at first glance won’t require significant work.
Fencing deserves the same attention, particularly if you plan to keep animals. Walking the boundaries of several acres is rather different from checking the fence around a back garden. Look for damaged posts, sagging wire, broken gates and areas where hedges are doing most of the work of keeping the boundary secure.
It is also worth asking the current owners how they manage the land. What machinery do they use? Do they maintain everything themselves or bring in local contractors? If you’re inheriting several acres of grass, for example, you need to know what will be involved in keeping it under control.
You certainly don’t need every building and fence to be perfect before buying a farm. In fact, improving the property over time may be part of the appeal. The important thing is knowing the difference between a few manageable jobs and a long list of expensive repairs before the keys are yours.
9. Consider the Isolation and Everyday Practicalities
9. Consider the Isolation and Everyday Practicalities
Peace, privacy and having more space around you can be some of the biggest attractions of moving to a farm. However, living somewhere rural can feel very different once it becomes part of everyday family life rather than somewhere you simply visit.
Before making the move, think about the things your family relies on each week. How far will you be from supermarkets, schools, doctors, hospitals and other essential services? If you have children, consider school transport as well as how they will get to friends, clubs and activities as they become more independent.
Public transport can be limited in rural communities, which may mean relying much more heavily on cars. A ten-minute journey to the shops now could become a half-hour round trip, while lifts to school, football practice or an evening with friends can quickly add up.
There is also the emotional side of a big lifestyle change to consider. Even when everyone is excited about the move, leaving familiar surroundings, friends and routines can take some adjustment. Thinking ahead about helping your family settle into a new home can make that transition easier, particularly if your new surroundings are very different from where you lived before.
It is worth considering what rural life will be like throughout the year too. Dark country roads, flooding, snow and poor weather can make journeys more challenging than they appear when you first view a property on a sunny afternoon.
None of these things necessarily outweigh the benefits of farm life. They are simply part of deciding whether the location will work for your family in practice as well as giving you the space and lifestyle you are looking for.
10. Experience Farm Life Before You Commit
If moving to a farm would be a complete change from the way you live now, it makes sense to experience as much of that lifestyle as you can before making such a big commitment.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go and work on a farm for six months. Even spending more time in the area you’re considering can tell you a lot. Visit at different times of the day and, if possible, during different seasons. A remote country lane that feels peaceful on a sunny summer afternoon might feel rather different at 5pm on a dark, wet November evening.
Try some of the journeys you would make regularly too. How long would the school run actually take? Where is the nearest supermarket, petrol station or doctor’s surgery? If your children have clubs and activities several evenings a week, what would those journeys look like from your new home?
If keeping animals or managing land is part of your plan, gaining some hands-on experience can be even more valuable. Helping out on a farm, spending time with friends who keep livestock or learning some basic land-management skills can give you a much clearer idea of which parts of the lifestyle you genuinely enjoy.
You could also consider renting in the area before buying, particularly if you’re moving somewhere completely unfamiliar. It won’t replicate the responsibility of owning a farm, but it can help you discover whether you enjoy the location and the realities of rural life once the initial novelty has worn off.
There will always be things you can’t fully understand until you make the move, and that is part of any new adventure. The aim isn’t to remove every unknown; it is simply to make sure the version of farm life you’re excited about bears some resemblance to the one you’ll actually be living.
If you’re considering moving to a farm, this quick checklist brings together some of the most important things to think about before making the move.
Pros and Cons of Living on a Farm
There is a lot to love about the idea of living on a farm. Having more space around you, being closer to nature and enjoying a greater sense of privacy can feel a world away from living on a busy housing estate. If you have children, there may be more freedom to spend time outdoors, while having your own land opens up possibilities for growing food, keeping animals or simply enjoying a quieter way of life.
There can be a wonderful sense of satisfaction in looking after your own little corner of the countryside too. Jobs such as tending a vegetable garden, caring for animals or improving the land might feel like chores to one person and be exactly the lifestyle another person has been dreaming about.
The flip side is that all that space needs looking after. A large garden is one thing; several acres, outbuildings, fences and private tracks are quite another. The privacy you love might also mean driving further to get to shops and services, while the peace and quiet can occasionally feel more like isolation.
Keeping animals can be particularly rewarding, but it also changes how easily you can go away for the day or book a last-minute weekend somewhere. Likewise, an older farmhouse full of character might come with higher heating bills and a seemingly never-ending list of jobs.
Ultimately, many of the pros and cons of living on a farm are two sides of the same coin. The space brings freedom but also maintenance. The isolation brings peace but means travelling further. Animals can bring enormous enjoyment but also daily responsibility.
The question isn’t really whether farm life is better or worse than living somewhere more conventional. It is whether those particular trade-offs suit the way you and your family want to live.
Questions to Ask Before Moving to a Farm
By the time you’ve found a farm you love, it can be surprisingly difficult to look at it objectively. The views are beautiful, you’ve already decided where the furniture will go and everyone is imagining what they could do with the land.
That’s probably the point when you most need to come back to the practicalities.
Before making an offer, sit down and think about how the property would actually work for your family, both financially and in everyday life. Some useful questions to ask include:
- Why do we want to move to a farm, and does this particular property give us the lifestyle we’re looking for?
- How much of the land will we realistically use, and how will we maintain the rest?
- Where exactly are the boundaries, and who is responsible for maintaining them?
- Are there any public footpaths, rights of way or shared access arrangements?
- Has any part of the land experienced flooding or drainage problems?
- Is the property connected to mains water and drainage, or will we be responsible for private systems?
- How is the farmhouse heated, and what does it typically cost to run?
- What broadband speeds and mobile coverage can we actually get at the property?
- What condition are the barns, fences, gates and other outbuildings in?
- Are there planning restrictions that could affect what we want to do with the property?
- If we want to keep animals, is the land and existing infrastructure suitable for them?
- How far will we need to travel for schools, shops, healthcare, work and the children’s regular activities?
- What machinery, equipment or outside help will we need to manage the property?
- Could we still comfortably afford the farm if we were faced with a large unexpected repair during our first year?
You may not have perfect answers to every question, and that’s fine. What matters is knowing what you’re taking on rather than discovering the realities one expensive problem at a time.
A farm doesn’t have to be the easiest or most practical property you’ve ever owned to be the right one. But if you’re choosing a different way of life for your family, it helps to make that decision with your head as well as your heart.ou see.
Is Moving to a Farm Right for You?
For the right family, moving to a farm could be the start of a completely different way of life. More space, more time outdoors and the chance to feel genuinely connected to the place you call home are all very good reasons to be drawn to farm life.
It doesn’t have to mean becoming a full-time farmer either. Your version of the dream might simply be a farmhouse with a few acres, room for the children to enjoy being outside and enough space to keep a handful of animals. For somebody else, it could be the beginning of a smallholding or a completely new business.
What matters is finding a property that fits the life you actually want to live rather than falling in love with an idea of farm life that doesn’t quite work in reality.
Take your time, ask plenty of questions and look beyond the farmhouse itself at the land, buildings, location and responsibilities that come with it. If you’re comfortable with those realities and still find yourself excited about the possibilities, then moving to a farm might be exactly the new chapter you’ve been looking for.